Bios

Modern Times Theater has performed at: public libraries and schools throughout Vermont and New Hampshire; Shelburne Farm; the Orleans County Fair; the Caledonia County Fair; Derby Line Community Day; Paul Smith College; the Sustainable Living Fair, Canton, NY; Governor’s Institute on the Arts, Vermont; Great Small Works’ International Toy Theater Festival; UConn’s Puppet Slam; the Common Ground Fair, ME; Sinterklaas Festival, Rhinebeck, NY; Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry; HOP Center at Dartmouth College; Hubbard Park, Montpelier, VT; River Arts, Morrisville, VT; Colonial Theater in Bethlehem, NH; and the Museum of Everyday Life, Glover, VT.

Modern Times Theater has received Vermont Community Foundation’s Green Mountain Fund Grant, and is a member of Puppeteers of America.

Rose Friedman has been working in theater since she was a young child. She studied at the Moscow Art Theater and New School University. She worked as a performer and workshop leader with Bread and Puppet Theater for over a decade, and was the Celebration Barn affiliate artist in 2014. She holds a Masters degree in education, with a license in Early Childhood. Rose is a founding member of Modern Times Theater and Vermont Vaudeville, and continues to work as a teaching artist for all ages. She sings and plays the ukulele.

Justin Lander is a comedian, puppeteer, musician, and auctioneer. He has toured puppet shows nationally and internationally since 2002 and has been a Professor of Mr. Punch since 2006. He is a cofounder of Modern Times Theater and the emcee of Vermont Vaudeville. Justin teaches workshops for kids and adults in puppetry, junk music and improv comedy, and is an alum of the Bread and Puppet. He also plays the musical bicycle pump.